Seattle’s Iron Wall Prepares to Face Houston’s Midfield Magic in MLS Playoffs

Sounders fans are already buzzing as they get ready to welcome the Houston Dynamo to Lumen Field for the MLS playoff opener. With this best-of-three format, the stakes couldn’t be higher. These two teams, despite having different styles and histories, have their eyes locked on the same prize. Known for their ironclad defense, the Seattle Sounders finished the regular season allowing only 35 goals. This team plays like a wall that’s near impossible to crack, and when it comes to defensive consistency, they set the bar.

After snagging just one win in their first nine matches, it looked like Seattle was on track for another season of ups and downs. But, as the saying goes, defense wins championships, and Seattle took that to heart like few others. The result? They closed the season as one of the most rock-solid teams in the league, heading into the playoffs on a seven-game unbeaten streak. With Jackson Ragen at the defensive helm and Obed Vargas anchoring the midfield, this defense feels like a fortress.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

Then there’s Houston Dynamo on the other side. If Seattle’s the wall, Houston’s the team that’s brought a touch of magic to this season. Led by Ben Olsen, Dynamo is the kind of squad that makes fans fall in love with the game, playing with a fire and flair that can’t help but bring a smile to the stands. And 2023? It’s been one heck of a year for them. Much of that success rests on the shoulders of Héctor Herrera. He’s not just a captain; he’s the orchestrator of a midfield rounded out by Coco Carrasquilla, Artur, and Amine Bassi. Together, they’re like the gears of a watch, perfectly synchronized to keep the team ticking, holding possession, and setting up plays.

On one side, Seattle’s defense stands like a concrete wall, and on the other, Houston’s midfield flows like water, always searching for the cracks. This clash of styles isn’t just intriguing; it’s one of those matchups that feels like it’s shaping the very identity of MLS. But not everything’s picture-perfect. Houston’s had some struggles up front this season. Despite all the midfield creativity, they’ve missed that deadly finisher. Ibrahim Aliyu has chipped in where he could, but it hasn’t quite solved their finishing woes. And in playoff soccer, a team without a natural scorer is walking a tightrope. Ponce joined mid-season and has shown some quality, but he’s yet to establish himself as the rock Houston can rely on.

Meanwhile, Seattle brings tradition to the table, led by a rejuvenated Jordan Morris in attack. It’s as if he’s had a rebirth, adapting to the role of a center-forward better than anyone expected. His 13 goals and 5 assists have proven he’s ready to carry the team if it comes to that. And then there’s Albert Rusnák, who’s having a career-defining season since moving from Real Salt Lake. With 10 goals and 16 assists, he’s far more than a striker; he’s the brains of the operation. Seattle knows that if they want to go deep in this playoff run, Morris and Rusnák will need to stay perfectly in sync.

So, which style will reign supreme? Seattle’s unbreakable defense or Houston’s soulful, attack-minded approach? In a best-of-three, every moment matters. If Seattle can keep their defense tight and make use of Morris’s speed, they’re primed to take the lead. But if Houston can get their midfield working its possession magic, don’t be surprised if Dynamo steals the first game on the road.